Charity Commission Opens Inquiry Into Religious Charity Over Alleged Links to Hamas

The Charity Commission has initiated a statutory inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, a religious charity operating in the UK and internationally, over allegations of links to Hamas. The regulator has also imposed restrictions on certain financial transactions associated with the organization, citing concerns about the potential misuse of charitable funds. The inquiry follows a complaint received last month, which claimed the charity and its partners had connections to the proscribed terrorist group.
The Al-Khair Foundation, established in 2003, was founded with the aim of advancing religion, promoting education, supporting social welfare, and offering relief to disaster victims. It reported an income of over £74 million in the year ending 31 July 2025. The regulator emphasized that it has taken immediate action to investigate the serious allegations, escalating its engagement to a statutory inquiry on 5 August.
Mohammad Yousef Hasna, an individual employed by an organization that collaborates with the Al-Khair Foundation to deliver aid in Gaza, has been arrested in the UK and charged by US authorities with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas. The Charity Commission stated it would consider all relevant information, including verifying Hasna’s connection to the charity and examining broader allegations against the foundation.
The inquiry will assess the nature and extent of the charity’s relationship with Hasna, as well as whether its trustees conducted appropriate checks and due diligence on international partners. It will also evaluate whether the trustees are effectively monitoring the end use of funds abroad and have robust policies to safeguard against misuse. The investigation aims to determine if any administrative failings are due to misconduct or mismanagement by the trustees.
The Al-Khair Foundation has stated it is cooperating fully with the regulator, noting that it previously filed a serious incident report with the commission regarding the allegations against Hasna. The charity emphasized its commitment to humanitarian assistance, guided by Islamic values of compassion, integrity, and service to those in need. It reiterated its adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
The Charity Commission’s actions underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of charitable funds, especially when operating internationally. The inquiry serves as a reminder of the responsibility entrusted to those in leadership roles within religious and charitable organizations. As Proverbs 11:1 reminds us, “The Lord detests the thoughts of the dishonest but delights in the words of the faithful.” This principle aligns with the pursuit of truth and justice in the administration of charitable resources.
The case highlights the delicate balance between humanitarian aid and the need to ensure that such aid does not inadvertently support harmful activities. The Charity Commission’s investigation seeks to uphold the integrity of charitable work, ensuring that it remains aligned with its stated objectives and the public trust it is meant to serve. The outcome of this inquiry may set a precedent for how similar organizations are held accountable for their actions and financial stewardship.

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